That should help a lot of people out with trans problems...great find...we need to sticky this...with stop a lot of reposts of same questions.
Transmission diagnosis, possible causes and possible solutions
I came across this on another forum and thought it could be useful.
DIAGNOSIS CHARTS
The diagnosis charts provide additional reference when diagnosing a transmission fault. The charts provide general information on a variety of transmission, overdrive unit and converter clutch fault conditions.
Diagnosis Charts CONDITION ................. POSSIBLE CAUSES................... CORRECTION
HARSH ENGAGEMENT (FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE OR REVERSE)
1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add Fluid
2. Throttle Linkage Mis-adjusted. 2. Adjust linkage - setting may be too long.
3. Mount and Driveline Bolts Loose. 3. Check engine mount, transmission mount, propeller shaft, rear spring to body bolts, rear control arms, crossmember and axle bolt torque. Tighten loose bolts and replace missing bolts.
4. U-Joint Worn/Broken. 4. Remove propeller shaft and replace U-Joint.
5. Axle Backlash Incorrect. 5. Check per Service Manual. Correct as needed.
6. Hydraulic Pressure Incorrect. 6. Check pressure. Remove, overhaul or adjust valve body as needed.
7. Band Mis-adjusted. 7. Adjust rear band.
8. Valve Body Check Balls Missing. 8. Inspect valve body for proper check ball installation.
9. Axle Pinion Flange Loose. 9. Replace nut and check pinion threads before installing new nut. Replace pinion gear if threads are damaged.
10. Clutch, band or planetary component damaged. 10. Remove, disassemble and repair transmission as necessary.
11. Converter Clutch Faulty. 11. Replace converter and flush cooler and line before installing new converter.
DELAYED ENGAGEMENT (FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE OR REVERSE)
1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Correct level and check for leaks.
2. Filter Clogged. 2. Change filter.
3. Gearshift Linkage Mis-adjusted. 3. Adjust linkage and repair linkage if worn or damaged.
4. Torque Converter Drain Back (Oil drains from torque converter into transmission sump). 4. If vehicle moves normally after 5 seconds after shifting into gear, no repair is necessary. If longer, inspect pump bushing for wear. Replace pump house.
5. Rear Band Mis-adjusted. 5. Adjust band.
6. Valve Body Filter Plugged. 6. Replace fluid and filter. If oil pan and old fluid were full of clutch disc material and/or metal particles, overhaul will be necessary.
7. Oil Pump Gears Worn/Damaged. 7. Remove transmission and replace oil pump.
8. Governor Circuit and Solenoid Valve Electrical Fault. 8. Test with DRB® scan tool and repair as required.
9. Hydraulic Pressure Incorrect. 9. Perform pressure test, remove transmission and repair as needed.
10. Reaction Shaft Seal Rings Worn/Broken. 10. Remove transmission, remove oil pump and replace seal rings.
11. Rear Clutch/Input Shaft, Rear Clutch Seal Rings Damaged. 11. Remove and disassemble transmission and repair as necessary.
12. Regulator Valve Stuck. 12. Clean.
13. Cooler Plugged. 13. Transfer case failure can plug cooler.
NO DRIVE RANGE (REVERSE OK)
1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks if drive is restored.
2. Gearshift Linkage/Cable Loose/Misadjusted. 2. Repair or replace linkage components.
3. Rear Clutch Burnt. 3. Remove and disassemble transmission and rear clutch and seals. Repair/replace worn or damaged parts as needed.
4. Valve Body Malfunction. 4. Remove and disassemble valve body. Replace assembly if any valves or bores are damaged.
5. Transmission Overrunning Clutch Broken. 5. Remove and disassemble transmission. Replace overrunning clutch.
6. Input Shaft Seal Rings Worn/Damaged. 6. Remove and disassemble transmission. Replace seal rings and any other worn or damaged parts.
7. Front Planetary Failed Broken. 7. Remove and repair.
NO DRIVE OR REVERSE (VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE)
1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks if drive is restored.
2. Gearshift Linkage/Cable Loose/Misadjusted. 2. Inspect, adjust and reassemble linkage as needed. Replace worn/damaged parts.
3. U-Joint/Axle/Transfer Case Broken. 3. Perform preliminary inspection procedure for vehicle that will not move. Refer to procedure in diagnosis section.
4. Filter Plugged. 4. Remove and disassemble transmission. Repair or replace failed components as needed. Replace filter. If filter and fluid contained clutch material or metal particles, an overhaul may be necessary. Perform lube flow test. Flush oil. Replace cooler as necessary.
5. Oil Pump Damaged. 5. Perform pressure test to confirm low pressure. Replace pump body assembly if necessary.
6. Valve Body Malfunctioned. 6. Check and inspect valve body. Replace valve body (as assembly) if any valve or bore is damaged. Clean and reassemble correctly if all parts are in good condition.
7. Transmission Internal Component Damaged. 7. Remove and disassemble transmission. Repair or replace failed components as needed.
8. Park Sprag not Releasing - Check Stall Speed, Worn/Damaged/Stuck. 8. Remove, disassemble, repair.
9. Torque Converter Damage. 9. Inspect and replace as required.
SHIFTS DELAYED OR ERRATIC (SHIFTS ALSO HARSH AT TIMES)
1. Fluid Level Low/High. 1. Correct fluid level and check for leaks if low.
2. Fluid Filter Clogged. 2. Replace filter. If filter and fluid contained clutch material or metal particles, an overhaul may be necessary. Perform lube flow test.
3. Throttle Linkage Mis-adjusted. 3. Adjust linkage as described in service section.
4. Throttle Linkage Binding. 4. Check cable for binding. Check for return to closed throttle at transmission.
5. Gearshift Linkage/Cable Mis-adjusted. 5. Adjust linkage/cable as described in service section.
6. Clutch or Servo Failure. 6. Remove valve body and air test clutch, and band servo operation. Disassemble and repair transmission as needed.
7. Governor Circuit Electrical Fault. 7. Test using DRB® scan tool and repair as required.
8. Front Band Mis-adjusted. 8. Adjust band.
9. Pump Suction Passage Leak. 9. Check for excessive foam on dipstick after normal driving. Check for loose pump bolts, defective gasket. Replace pump assembly if needed.
NO REVERSE (D RANGES OK)
1. Gearshift Linkage/Cable Mis-adjusted/Damaged. 1. Repair or replace linkage parts as needed.
2. Park Sprag Sticking. 2. Replace overdrive annulus gear.
3. Rear Band Mis-adjusted/Worn. 3. Adjust band; replace.
4. Valve Body Malfunction. 4. Remove and service valve body. Replace valve body if any valves or valve bores are worn or damaged.
5. Rear Servo Malfunction. 5. Remove and disassemble transmission. Replace worn/damaged servo parts as necessary.
6. Direct Clutch in Overdrive Worn. 6. Disassemble overdrive. Replace worn or damaged parts.
7. Front Clutch Burnt. 7. Remove and disassemble transmission. Replace worn, damaged clutch parts as required.
HAS FIRST/REVERSE ONLY (NO 1-2 OR 2-3 UPSHIFT)
1. Governor Circuit Electrical Fault. 1. Test using DRB® scan tool and repair as required.
2. Valve Body Malfunction. 2. Repair stuck 1-2 shift valve or governor plug.
3. Front Servo/Kickdown Band Damaged/Burned. 3. Repair/replace.
MOVES IN 2ND OR 3RD GEAR, ABRUPTLY DOWNSHIFTS TO LOW
1. Valve Body Malfunction. 1. Remove, clean and inspect. Look for stuck 1-2 valve or governor plug.
NO LOW GEAR (MOVES IN 2ND OR 3RD GEAR ONLY)
1. Governor Circuit Electrical Fault. 1. Test with DRB® scan tool and repair as required.
2. Valve Body Malfunction. 2. Remove, clean and inspect. Look for sticking 1-2 shift valve, 2-3 shift valve, governor plug or broken springs.
3. Front Servo Piston Cocked in Bore. 3. Inspect servo and repair as required.
4. Front Band Linkage Malfunction 4. Inspect linkage and look for bind in linkage.
NO KICKDOWN OR NORMAL DOWNSHIFT
1. Throttle Linkage Mis-adjusted. 1. Adjust linkage.
2. Accelerator Pedal Travel Restricted. 2. Verify floor mat is not under pedal, repair worn accelerator cable or bent brackets.
3. Valve Body Hydraulic Pressures Too High or Too Low Due to Valve Body Malfunction or Incorrect Hydraulic Control Pressure Adjustments. 3. Perform hydraulic pressure tests to determine cause and repair as required. Correct valve body pressure adjustments as required.
4. Governor Circuit Electrical Fault. 4. Test with DRB® scan tool and repair as required.
5. Valve Body Malfunction. 5. Perform hydraulic pressure tests to determine cause and repair as required. Correct valve body pressure adjustments as required.
6. TPS Malfunction. 6. Replace sensor, check with DRB® scan tool.
7. PCM Malfunction. 7. Check with DRB® scan tool and replace if required.
8. Valve Body Malfunction. 8. Repair sticking 1-2, 2-3 shift valves, governor plugs, 3-4 solenoid, 3-4 shift valve, 3-4 timing valve.
STUCK IN LOW GEAR (WILL NOT UPSHIFT)
1. Throttle Linkage Mis-adjusted/Stuck. 1. Adjust linkage and repair linkage if worn or damaged. Check for binding cable or missing return spring.
2. Gearshift Linkage Mis-adjusted. 2. Adjust linkage and repair linkage if worn or damaged.
3. Governor Component Electrical Fault. 3. Check operating pressures and test with DRB® scan tool, repair faulty component.
4. Front Band Out of Adjustment. 4. Adjust Band.
5. Clutch or Servo Malfunction. 5. Air pressure check operation of clutches and bands. Repair faulty component.
CREEPS IN NEUTRAL
1. Gearshift Linkage Mis-adjusted. 1. Adjust linkage.
2. Rear Clutch Dragging/Warped. 2. Disassemble and repair.
3. Valve Body Malfunction. 3. Perform hydraulic pressure test to determine cause and repair as required.
DIAGNOSIS CHARTS
The diagnosis charts provide additional reference when diagnosing a transmission fault. The charts provide general information on a variety of transmission, overdrive unit and converter clutch fault conditions.
Diagnosis Charts CONDITION ................. POSSIBLE CAUSES................... CORRECTION
HARSH ENGAGEMENT (FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE OR REVERSE)
1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add Fluid
2. Throttle Linkage Mis-adjusted. 2. Adjust linkage - setting may be too long.
3. Mount and Driveline Bolts Loose. 3. Check engine mount, transmission mount, propeller shaft, rear spring to body bolts, rear control arms, crossmember and axle bolt torque. Tighten loose bolts and replace missing bolts.
4. U-Joint Worn/Broken. 4. Remove propeller shaft and replace U-Joint.
5. Axle Backlash Incorrect. 5. Check per Service Manual. Correct as needed.
6. Hydraulic Pressure Incorrect. 6. Check pressure. Remove, overhaul or adjust valve body as needed.
7. Band Mis-adjusted. 7. Adjust rear band.
8. Valve Body Check Balls Missing. 8. Inspect valve body for proper check ball installation.
9. Axle Pinion Flange Loose. 9. Replace nut and check pinion threads before installing new nut. Replace pinion gear if threads are damaged.
10. Clutch, band or planetary component damaged. 10. Remove, disassemble and repair transmission as necessary.
11. Converter Clutch Faulty. 11. Replace converter and flush cooler and line before installing new converter.
DELAYED ENGAGEMENT (FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE OR REVERSE)
1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Correct level and check for leaks.
2. Filter Clogged. 2. Change filter.
3. Gearshift Linkage Mis-adjusted. 3. Adjust linkage and repair linkage if worn or damaged.
4. Torque Converter Drain Back (Oil drains from torque converter into transmission sump). 4. If vehicle moves normally after 5 seconds after shifting into gear, no repair is necessary. If longer, inspect pump bushing for wear. Replace pump house.
5. Rear Band Mis-adjusted. 5. Adjust band.
6. Valve Body Filter Plugged. 6. Replace fluid and filter. If oil pan and old fluid were full of clutch disc material and/or metal particles, overhaul will be necessary.
7. Oil Pump Gears Worn/Damaged. 7. Remove transmission and replace oil pump.
8. Governor Circuit and Solenoid Valve Electrical Fault. 8. Test with DRB® scan tool and repair as required.
9. Hydraulic Pressure Incorrect. 9. Perform pressure test, remove transmission and repair as needed.
10. Reaction Shaft Seal Rings Worn/Broken. 10. Remove transmission, remove oil pump and replace seal rings.
11. Rear Clutch/Input Shaft, Rear Clutch Seal Rings Damaged. 11. Remove and disassemble transmission and repair as necessary.
12. Regulator Valve Stuck. 12. Clean.
13. Cooler Plugged. 13. Transfer case failure can plug cooler.
NO DRIVE RANGE (REVERSE OK)
1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks if drive is restored.
2. Gearshift Linkage/Cable Loose/Misadjusted. 2. Repair or replace linkage components.
3. Rear Clutch Burnt. 3. Remove and disassemble transmission and rear clutch and seals. Repair/replace worn or damaged parts as needed.
4. Valve Body Malfunction. 4. Remove and disassemble valve body. Replace assembly if any valves or bores are damaged.
5. Transmission Overrunning Clutch Broken. 5. Remove and disassemble transmission. Replace overrunning clutch.
6. Input Shaft Seal Rings Worn/Damaged. 6. Remove and disassemble transmission. Replace seal rings and any other worn or damaged parts.
7. Front Planetary Failed Broken. 7. Remove and repair.
NO DRIVE OR REVERSE (VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE)
1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks if drive is restored.
2. Gearshift Linkage/Cable Loose/Misadjusted. 2. Inspect, adjust and reassemble linkage as needed. Replace worn/damaged parts.
3. U-Joint/Axle/Transfer Case Broken. 3. Perform preliminary inspection procedure for vehicle that will not move. Refer to procedure in diagnosis section.
4. Filter Plugged. 4. Remove and disassemble transmission. Repair or replace failed components as needed. Replace filter. If filter and fluid contained clutch material or metal particles, an overhaul may be necessary. Perform lube flow test. Flush oil. Replace cooler as necessary.
5. Oil Pump Damaged. 5. Perform pressure test to confirm low pressure. Replace pump body assembly if necessary.
6. Valve Body Malfunctioned. 6. Check and inspect valve body. Replace valve body (as assembly) if any valve or bore is damaged. Clean and reassemble correctly if all parts are in good condition.
7. Transmission Internal Component Damaged. 7. Remove and disassemble transmission. Repair or replace failed components as needed.
8. Park Sprag not Releasing - Check Stall Speed, Worn/Damaged/Stuck. 8. Remove, disassemble, repair.
9. Torque Converter Damage. 9. Inspect and replace as required.
SHIFTS DELAYED OR ERRATIC (SHIFTS ALSO HARSH AT TIMES)
1. Fluid Level Low/High. 1. Correct fluid level and check for leaks if low.
2. Fluid Filter Clogged. 2. Replace filter. If filter and fluid contained clutch material or metal particles, an overhaul may be necessary. Perform lube flow test.
3. Throttle Linkage Mis-adjusted. 3. Adjust linkage as described in service section.
4. Throttle Linkage Binding. 4. Check cable for binding. Check for return to closed throttle at transmission.
5. Gearshift Linkage/Cable Mis-adjusted. 5. Adjust linkage/cable as described in service section.
6. Clutch or Servo Failure. 6. Remove valve body and air test clutch, and band servo operation. Disassemble and repair transmission as needed.
7. Governor Circuit Electrical Fault. 7. Test using DRB® scan tool and repair as required.
8. Front Band Mis-adjusted. 8. Adjust band.
9. Pump Suction Passage Leak. 9. Check for excessive foam on dipstick after normal driving. Check for loose pump bolts, defective gasket. Replace pump assembly if needed.
NO REVERSE (D RANGES OK)
1. Gearshift Linkage/Cable Mis-adjusted/Damaged. 1. Repair or replace linkage parts as needed.
2. Park Sprag Sticking. 2. Replace overdrive annulus gear.
3. Rear Band Mis-adjusted/Worn. 3. Adjust band; replace.
4. Valve Body Malfunction. 4. Remove and service valve body. Replace valve body if any valves or valve bores are worn or damaged.
5. Rear Servo Malfunction. 5. Remove and disassemble transmission. Replace worn/damaged servo parts as necessary.
6. Direct Clutch in Overdrive Worn. 6. Disassemble overdrive. Replace worn or damaged parts.
7. Front Clutch Burnt. 7. Remove and disassemble transmission. Replace worn, damaged clutch parts as required.
HAS FIRST/REVERSE ONLY (NO 1-2 OR 2-3 UPSHIFT)
1. Governor Circuit Electrical Fault. 1. Test using DRB® scan tool and repair as required.
2. Valve Body Malfunction. 2. Repair stuck 1-2 shift valve or governor plug.
3. Front Servo/Kickdown Band Damaged/Burned. 3. Repair/replace.
MOVES IN 2ND OR 3RD GEAR, ABRUPTLY DOWNSHIFTS TO LOW
1. Valve Body Malfunction. 1. Remove, clean and inspect. Look for stuck 1-2 valve or governor plug.
NO LOW GEAR (MOVES IN 2ND OR 3RD GEAR ONLY)
1. Governor Circuit Electrical Fault. 1. Test with DRB® scan tool and repair as required.
2. Valve Body Malfunction. 2. Remove, clean and inspect. Look for sticking 1-2 shift valve, 2-3 shift valve, governor plug or broken springs.
3. Front Servo Piston Cocked in Bore. 3. Inspect servo and repair as required.
4. Front Band Linkage Malfunction 4. Inspect linkage and look for bind in linkage.
NO KICKDOWN OR NORMAL DOWNSHIFT
1. Throttle Linkage Mis-adjusted. 1. Adjust linkage.
2. Accelerator Pedal Travel Restricted. 2. Verify floor mat is not under pedal, repair worn accelerator cable or bent brackets.
3. Valve Body Hydraulic Pressures Too High or Too Low Due to Valve Body Malfunction or Incorrect Hydraulic Control Pressure Adjustments. 3. Perform hydraulic pressure tests to determine cause and repair as required. Correct valve body pressure adjustments as required.
4. Governor Circuit Electrical Fault. 4. Test with DRB® scan tool and repair as required.
5. Valve Body Malfunction. 5. Perform hydraulic pressure tests to determine cause and repair as required. Correct valve body pressure adjustments as required.
6. TPS Malfunction. 6. Replace sensor, check with DRB® scan tool.
7. PCM Malfunction. 7. Check with DRB® scan tool and replace if required.
8. Valve Body Malfunction. 8. Repair sticking 1-2, 2-3 shift valves, governor plugs, 3-4 solenoid, 3-4 shift valve, 3-4 timing valve.
STUCK IN LOW GEAR (WILL NOT UPSHIFT)
1. Throttle Linkage Mis-adjusted/Stuck. 1. Adjust linkage and repair linkage if worn or damaged. Check for binding cable or missing return spring.
2. Gearshift Linkage Mis-adjusted. 2. Adjust linkage and repair linkage if worn or damaged.
3. Governor Component Electrical Fault. 3. Check operating pressures and test with DRB® scan tool, repair faulty component.
4. Front Band Out of Adjustment. 4. Adjust Band.
5. Clutch or Servo Malfunction. 5. Air pressure check operation of clutches and bands. Repair faulty component.
CREEPS IN NEUTRAL
1. Gearshift Linkage Mis-adjusted. 1. Adjust linkage.
2. Rear Clutch Dragging/Warped. 2. Disassemble and repair.
3. Valve Body Malfunction. 3. Perform hydraulic pressure test to determine cause and repair as required.
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